DAMIEN Rises?

Article first published as DAMIEN Review on Seat42F.

A&E has had decent success with its horror movie prequel, Bates Motel, so it’s no surprise that it is doing another show spun-off from a film in the genre, even if it’s taken awhile to do so. This week, DAMIEN premieres on the cable network, a sequel to Richard Donner’s The Omen (1976). Set thirty years later, young Damien has now come of age, just as the end of the world is upon us.

It’s very early in this show so I could be wrong, but I think the central conflict of DAMIEN is flawed. We are introduced to Damien (Bradley James, iZombie, Merlin) as a compassionate war photographer, with none of the baggage of his past or origin. Gone are the creepy things surrounding him from the movie, seemingly having stopped just after the events of the film. He doesn’t know who he is or what his purpose is supposed to be.

Obviously, that must change, so DAMIEN introduces a number of startling, creepy things to begin popping up around Damien, bringing back his memories of the past, and sending characters to tell him who he is. Damien is expected to fulfill his role as the anti-Christ, even if it’s not clear what that means yet to him or to the viewer.

I just don’t understand. Are we supposed to root for Damien to descend into darkness? Or do we want to see him heroically deny his heritage and be a force of good? Would that even be possible?

With Bates Motel, we know the lead character will go bad, but it remains entertaining to watch his growth arc. In DAMIEN, Damien seems completely resistant to his fate and at odds with what he’s supposed to be doing. He’s not showing signs of changing based on events, at least not yet, so if he does go dark, it will be against his will, making his character’s journey meaningless. Unless Damien is supposed to save the world, but again, that doesn’t seem likely.

All of this adds up to nothing captivating, as near as I can tell. If the story is destined to be a tragic one, and not in a natural, progressive way, but because of supernatural forces so powerful they cannot be stopped, why do we want to watch? To see some faceless power destroy a character we’ve been made to care about? Who wants to see that?

It also makes no sense to me the huge gap in Damien’s life. People he loved were harmed or killed early on and now, but nothing in between? Why not? It seems to me either nothing would occur around him until this time, or it would occur constantly throughout his life. Am I right?

(Yes, I realize The Bible has a similar gap in the life of Jesus Christ, but he was the catalyst for much of what happened in that tale, not just the non-participant center of the storm.)

This is unfortunate because the roster behind DAMIEN is a promising one. Glen Mazzara, a former showrunner for The Walking Dead, is the creator leading the charge. The cast includes the terrific Scott Wilson (The Walking Dead), the intriguing Barbara Hershey (Once Upon a Time), and reliable players David Meunier (Justified), Omid Abtahi (Argo), and Megalyn Echikunwoke (The 4400). Those names made me hopeful, even though The Omen is a move I’d never watch all the way through (I find it more disturbing than scary). But despite a decent looking production, it just doesn’t do what it needs to do as a story, lacking cohesion and clear direction.

As such, I sadly cannot recommend DAMIEN, as I likely won’t ever give it another chance.

DAMIEN airs Mondays at 10/9c on A&E.

Justified sidesteps the "Money Trap"

Article first published as TV Review: Justified - "Money Trap" on Blogcritics.

Grade: 93%

This week's episode of FX's Justified, "Money Trap," is mostly a break from the season-long hunt for Drew Thompson. Raylan (Timothy Olyphant) sets out to talk to his father, Arlo (Raymond J. Barry), in prison to see if he can convince Arlo to give him a new lead on Drew. But since it's a task Raylan doesn't want to do anyway, he jumps at the first distraction that will take him away from the task.

Despite minimizing the large arcs, "Money Trap" is more than just a case-of-the-week installment. It puts Raylan back up against a foe we see in the season premiere, Jody Adair (Chris Chalk, The Newsroom, Homeland). It's cool that Justified continually builds up a cast of recurring players and pulls them out from time to time to keep the story interesting, rather than reduce itself to a typical crime drama.

Justified has never been suited to a formula. Each season is entirely different from the last, and each twist can spin the plot in unexpected directions from week to week. It's really a setting-driven piece, fleshing out a specific world in Kentucky that lies outside of the big city. Each character is a panel of fabric, some bigger than others, but sewn together in an intriguing patchwork.

Which means that often connections that are not obvious suddenly emerge. "Money Trap" has several of those, as the characters move around, encountering a number of people, including Raylan seeing a former lover. Justified never leaves its world, just revealing unseen corners as it goes instead, so there's an overarching sense of continuity throughout the entire series.

The side trip with Jody this week is a dangerous game between Raylan and a very hardened criminal, one who will not hesitate to kill Raylan given an opportunity. Most bad guys aren't this bad, matching wits and trying to get away with stolen goods or money, rather than committing murder. Sure, people are killed all the time on the show. But it's not usually the intent or stated mission of the shooter to take someone out permanently. Jody is different.

To illustrate this point, I refer you to Boyd (Walton Goggins) and Ava's (Joelle Carter) subplot in "Money Trap." They rub elbows with the rich and powerful of their county, only to find out they are invited to the party in order to more directly serve their masters. Boyd doesn't realize he's been allowed to operate his enterprise all this time with the permission of others. He is told if he wants to keep his business running, he needs to kill a man.

This disturbs Boyd. He isn't good, by any means, and we've seen him kill this season. But it's always incidental, and is never his first choice of action. People aren't useful to him if they're dead. He doesn't want to do what they're asking him to, and I think it's as much about whacking someone he has no beef with as it is not wanting to seem like a weak lackey, when he believes himself to be a leader. We'll have to wait and see what Boyd chooses to do.

Back to Raylan, we know that he is capable in a wide variety of situations. Jody is a new challenge, but one he is up to the task of. He takes the manhunt extremely seriously, personally protecting Jody's other intended victim, the young, hot Jackie Nevada (Shelley Hennig, The Secret Circle), while seeking out Jody.

Raylan doesn't rely on others too much, though he knows when he needs to, and is smart enough to ask for help in those instances. Which is why his lone wolf routine is rarely a problem, as it is for many a flawed hero in other stories, as he actually he is more talented than most. "Money Trap" shows us once more why Raylan usually prefers to operate by himself, able to move quicker and less noticed, as well as avoiding putting others in the line of fire. And he doesn't have to worry that Jody will find Jackie and hurt her while he isn't looking when he sticks by her side.

This eventually leads to a one-on-one showdown between Jody and Raylan, just downstairs from Raylan's home. Once more, we see Raylan's wisdom, recognizing when he must use his gun, knowing Jody will keep coming after Raylan or his loved ones, as well as other innocents, while he roams free. Raylan can see the evil in his eyes, and thus, he does what needs to be done.

Some would argue that Raylan killing Jody defeats the purpose of law enforcement. Cops (and marshals) should seek to apprehend, rather than take out. Yet, in this case, it's really Raylan's only option, as Jody would hurt people if allowed to live, even if he is in prison, which is a big 'if,' since there's no easy way to capture him here. Realizing this, Raylan operates with complete confidence, putting several bullets into Jody.

Raylan Givens is one of the coolest characters on television. It's not because he's violent, because he's not always, and never without cause. It's because he has an ingrained sense of right and wrong, and though his mettle is tested constantly, he almost always does the correct thing. He doesn't waste time doubting himself once he's done something, and he has the utmost faith in his own reasoning skills. For this, it's easy, as a fan, to get behind him.

Raylan isn't a brash, young man, though. We see in "Money Trap," when alone in a hotel room with Jackie, who is getting undressed to shower, he doesn't make a move. Raylan loves the ladies, but he's recently betrayed by one, and he admits to himself, and to Art (Nick Searcy), that he is an old man, one Jackie shouldn't or wouldn't be interested in. I don't think for a second that Raylan couldn't sleep with Jackie if he wanted to, but he doesn't, because he knows himself, and knows what he needs.

Now, Raylan does make mistakes, and often a woman is involved. I just think he's learning from those mistakes, making them less frequently, and being realistic about his love life. For that, he deserves credit.

At the end of "Money Trap," Raylan does go see Arlo, ready to stop avoiding things, choosing the right path once more. Arlo won't cooperate, of course, which does cause Raylan to speak to his father in anger, as Arlo can push Raylan's buttons like no one else, being the catalyst for a temper flare up. But the confrontation ends with little movement on the Drew Thompson story.

After Raylan warns Arlo that he will die in jail, I think that scares Arlo. I worry that it's foreshadowing for Justified, that Arlo will soon be gone with the last words from Raylan being cruel ones. Or, it could be the kick in the pants Arlo needs to cut a deal and finally start helping the marshals. Either way, Arlo won't just sit pretty and protected behind bars for much longer.

It is hard to talk about this episode linearly, and I couldn't even find a place in the flow to touch on the other subplot involving Johnny (David Meunier) and Colt (Ron Eldard). But that's because the series is so fluid and intertwined that it's just as hard to describe the story as it is to describe the lives of a village full of people. I think this is a testament to the quality and realism of the show, rather than a negative.

"Money Trap" is an excellent episode, not exactly super important to larger story of the season, but compelling in its own right because of the personal side of Raylan that we see. If this is Justified's version of a stand-alone installment, I welcome more of them from time to time.

Justified airs Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET on FX.

Justified finds a "Hole in the Wall"

Grade: 97%

After far too long a hiatus, FX’s JUSTIFIED returns for a fourth season this Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET. Like in past years, the series holds off on showing all of its cards right off the bat, allowing viewers to adjust to where the characters are now, as well as dropping hints as to the major arc or arcs that the season will cover.

When the premiere, “Hole in the Wall,” begins, Raylan (Timothy Olyphant) is still in a relationship with Lindsey (Jenn Lyon), and skirting the law. He doesn’t now break the rules in the name of justice or love, his past weaknesses, but instead, out of selfishness. This Raylan is more of a broken man, Winona (Natalie Zea) having gone, and his father, Arlo (Raymond J. Barry), whom Raylan has never had an easy relationship with, behind bars.

Right off the bat, though, this status quo is tested. Raylan picks up a not-so-good guy as a favor, then tries to keep him locked in his trunk while dealing with a mystery that has come up at his father’s house. It’s a call back to the righteous game, which we see very quickly does not merge easily with Raylan’s current activities. Thus, by the end of “Hole in the Wall,” it is pretty clear that Raylan needs to pick one path or the other.

I love that the mystery, which will definitely be a continuing story for awhile, features a heavily involved Arlo. Arlo has only been in about half of JUSTIFIED’s episodes, but his ornery ways are highly entertaining, and the way he shakes up Raylan’s calm demeanor, pushing his son’s buttons, makes for great television. Any way to bring Arlo more central does risk his continued presence, as death comes to many a villain on JUSTIFIED, but it also means that this season will have to be as fantastic as the others have been.

Raylan gets to step up and again be the man that fans love in this very first episode of the season. He may begin the episode on shaky ground, but despite his many flaws, Raylan Givens is a hero, and one of the genuinely coolest ones on television today. The way he handles negotiations, and faces down the bad guys, is unparalleled, and viewers are treated to some examples of classic Raylan almost right away in this installment.

Raylan’s restoration is also helped along by the crooks that come into Raylan’s circle. Cast lists are not yet available for the episode, making it hard to pinpoint who all of the performers are, but there is a young couple, as well as Raylan’s hostage, each of which contributes something interesting to the episode. Add to that, Raylan’s new cop buddy, Bob, played by the great Patton Oswalt, and “Hole in the Wall” serves as a satisfying return.

Lest one worry about the other important gang on the show, there is also plenty of Boyd (Walton Goggins) in “Hole in the Wall,” too, still being aided by Ava (Joelle Carter) and Johnny (David Meunier), as well as a new, unstable, very dangerous man. They will definitely be involved in whatever Raylan is getting himself into, but they also have their own stories, as Boyd continues his criminal enterprises.

These include running drugs, of course, and also the prostitution trailers that Boyd has taken over. The whores actually figure importantly into the first episode, when Ellen May (Abby Miller) makes a big mistake. Boyd uses this mistake to his advantage, of course, and will quickly expand his plot to encompass others, which should build up nicely over the next few weeks, eventually bringing them all back into conflict with Raylan and the law.

At some point, the balance that has kept Boyd in business while Raylan looks the other way will have to be broken. It may not be until the final season of the series, but something will draw enough attention to Boyd that he will have to be shut down. Until that day, he continues to be a fantastic character to have around, and the way that he manages to still do what he wants, and keep some kind of peace with Raylan, is a real draw of the series.

JUSTIFIED’s newest episode has everything one wants in the Western-influenced series. There are gun fights, show downs, boob flashing, drinking, conversations behind bars, at least one bad-ass killing, and some of the finest acting being done anywhere. Fans should not be disappointed, and if you’ve only been considering getting into the series, “Hole in the Wall” could serve as an enticing entry point.

Want to read some of my fiction? It's on my website, JeromeWetzel.com! Also, for the latest updates and article links, as well as commentary on episodes I don't fully review, please follow me on Twitter!

Article first posted at Seat42F

The devil is Justified

In tonight's episode of FX's Justified, "The Devil You Know," Raylan (Timothy Olyphant) hunts for Dickie (Jeremy Davies) and Dewey (Damon Herriman), who break out of jail with the help of a guard, Ash (Todd Stashwick, The Riches, Men of a Certain Age). Figuring that the trio (which is actually a sextet at first) is heading for Dickie's family money, Raylan goes after the holder of said money, Ellstin Limehouse (Mykelti Williamson, 24, Forrest Gump). Which results in misguided machinations, leaving Ash nearly dead and Dewey killed. Dickie, with some help, takes out two more of the group, and escapes.

Robert Quarles (Neal McDonough, Despeate Housewives, Tin Man) goads Devil (Kevin Rankin) into standing up to Boyd (Walton Goggins). Devil gets Johnny (David Meunier) behind him, but that doesn't stop Boyd from killing Devil first as soon as Devil makes a threat.

While Justified has been back on the air for three weeks now, it's a hard series to review, and getting harder all the time. That's because episodes, including "The Devil You Know," aren't about a certain event or complete story anymore. As the series goes on, plots get more and more serial, with each week just adding a piece to the larger framework, rather than standing alone. This is certainly not a complaint, as only the best shows are able to successfully do this. But it makes it quite difficult to review an hour at a time.
 
Justified reaches some awesome new levels in season two with the Mags story, and it's gratifying that there are continuations of that still occurring in season three. Yes, Mags is dead, but her money sets the sights of many a bad dude on her son Dickie. Dickie is now out of prison, but Limehouse tells him that there is little money left. Too bad that's not something that the people after the cash are likely to believe, especially with how untrustworthy Mags turns out be towards her neighbors. Dickie is still, and will continue to be, a wanted man.

The best thing that Dickie could do is let Limehouse keep the money. Now some may keep coming after Dickie, but it buys him time and leverage to not have the stash with him. Ash learns the hard way that it's not so easy to get Dickie's family's fortune. Others could repeat the mistake. Boyd, for one, is likely to try. But maybe by not keeping any of it, and possibly still having business with Limehouse, Dickie will have a little flexibility and protection from his enemies. Of course, Dickie is still hunted by the law as a fugitive, so there's that...

Speaking of season two faces, in "The Devil You Know" Raylan pays a visit to Loretta (Kaitlyn Dever) to ask for information. Fans get to see what has become of the girl. She may not be happy, but she's leading an honest life, helping with a family. This should teach her the right things and keep her on the straight path. That's really the most important bit of this small scene, as Loretta isn't getting involved in this season's issues, so she's not important anymore. That's good for the safety of her character, but bad for the viewers who enjoy her.

It's wonderful to see Dever again, even in this tiny, insignificant role. She has been wasting away on the sitcom Last Man Standing lately, and any reminder of what a terrific actress she can be is welcome on the TV screen.

What is Boyd going to do now? Presumably, he still wants Dickie's money, not realizing that it's gone. But knowing that others are going after it, Boyd is probably wise to lay low. Especially after a betrayal by a close lieutenant, which doesn't exactly put Boyd in the best position to go after any large score right now.

But the bodies are piling up around Dickie. So something is going to have to break in this plot soon.

What does Robert want with Boyd? By approaching Devil, is Robert looking to get into business with Boyd? Take over Boyd's territory? Is Robert testing the waters? Or trying to undermine Boyd? Does Robert want Boyd's cooperation, or want him out of the way? It's a real mystery. All that is known is that Robert represents an organized crime group, which wants to make at least part of Kentucky theirs. To what end? Well, we will have to wait for the rest of the season to play out. But he certainly a threat, even if an undefined one.

Which means that Raylan's job is quite a challenge lately. Raylan knows the score with Boyd. But he's just met Robert, and been thoroughly unsettled by him. And surely Raylan isn't comfortable with all of these familiar faces, such as Devil and Dewey, winding up dead. Sure, some casualties are to be expected on a series like Justified, but it seems that the herd of recurring characters is really being culled as of late. Which leaves room for something big and, likely, unpleasant. Even with the plot remaining murky, the anticipation level is building as viewers are left to wonder what Raylan's main challenge will be this season, and how he will cope with it.

Watch Justified Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET on FX.

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Article first published as TV Review: Justified - "The Devil You Know" on Blogcritics.